Functional Filtration Membranes Derived from Seld-Assembled Multiblock Polymers

Tech ID: 13-002

Inventors: William Phillip, Bryan Boudouris

Date Added: December 1, 2020

Overview

A novel membrane separation technology that allows for highly selective, high-throughput processing

Technology Summary

Membrane separation technologies are utilized in many chemical industries, such as biopharmaceutical, environmental contaminants, and nanofiltration to purify streams of contaminants. Membranes are a cost-effective method of purification; however, they are either capable of being highly selective or highly permeable. There exists a need for membranes that are highly permeable, highly selective, and can withstand mechanical and chemical stresses.

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame developed a filtration membrane derived from self-assembled multiblock polymers and their hybrids which paves the way for production of high-performance mesoporous membranes that can be used for filtration, separation, catalysis, and drug delivery. Using sequential controlled polymerizations, various chemical components, each with a specific function, can be incorporated into the molecular makeup of the macromolecules before the membrane is fabricated. These blocks determine the final structure of the selective barrier, mechanical toughness, and chemical functionality of the membrane. The membrane is comprised of a selective barrier composed with a high density of narrowly spaced pores which rests on top of a porous support. The structure of the membrane allows it to be a highly selective and high-throughput separation device for varying solute sizes. The device allows the ability to tune pore chemistry and membrane surface chemistry which creates potential for designing membranes that selectively bind to specific solutes from solution.

Market Advantages

• Lower manufacturing costs and less material used
• Faster manufacturing time
• Ease of customization (higher selectivity)
• Pore size flexibility
• Longer lifetime value and increased quality

Applications

• Biopharmaceutical
• Nanofiltration
• Environmental contaminants
• Sensors
• Drug delivery

Technology Readiness Level

TRL 3 - Experimental Proof of Concept

Intellectual Property Status

US 10,022,679

JP 6330230

Publications

Tuning structure and properties of graded triblock terpolymer-based mesoporous and hybrid films. doi: 10.1021/nl2013554

Contact

Richard Cox

rcox4@nd.edu

574.631.5158